DESTINATION: GAY CAPE CHARLES

This June, the United States Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state-level bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional, that the denial of marriage licenses to same-sex couples and the refusal to recognize those marriages performed in other jurisdictions violates the Due Process and the Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

“Under the Constitution, same-sex couples seek in marriage the same legal treatment as opposite-sex couples, and it would disparage their choices and diminish their personhood to deny them this right,” Kennedy wrote.

In essence, the ruling recognized the LGBT community as fundamental to American life. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, who has written all of the court’s decisions recognizing and expanding gay rights, said the decision was based on the fundamental right to marry and the equality that must be afforded gay Americans.

The Cape Charles Mirror fully grasps the enormous social and political ramifications of the ruling, yet what are the local effects for our little village? From an economic standpoint, Cape Charles as a wedding destination could benefit greatly. At SheWired.com, Cape Charles was ranked 15th best gay wedding destination in the country:

Cape Charles, VA – Once you get to this remote location the beauty and charm will overwhelm you and your guests! This small beach town is unmatched for brides looking for a beautiful and secluded destination, especially since you need to cross a 23 mile bridge to get there!

Of course, the Mirror staff disputes that ranking, noting that our sunsets alone should move us up to at least number seven. That said, advertising and promoting the Town as an LGBT wedding destination should be part of our integrated Tourism strategy, which benefits not only hospitality professionals, but other members of the workforce such as photographers, event specialists such asEastern Shore Events & Rentals , all the part time staff that do everything from setup to parking, and even the aquaculture industry.

Long term, it may also lead to more LGBT&Q folks deciding to make this their home, making our community more diverse, vibrant and culturally relevant.

Please don’t attempt to debase the concept of same-sex marriage to whatever backwater interpretation you might have. Unlike in your community, on the Eastern Shore, people believe in the law of the land, which rightly supports same-sex marriage. Everywhere on the Shore, and particularly in Cape Charles, I have only experienced a strong support of our LGBTQ community. Read the chant above, Mr. Bell, and let it become your mantra; it will help you, at the very least, to stay on the right side of the law.

‘Unlike My Community’???? I don’t know what a ‘Lascu’ is but they are not any Shore family I have ever heard of. I am a ‘Seasider’ with mud between my toes. Don’t get it twisted just because a liberal supreme court gave you people a legal path to join together. We The People did not. If folks on The Shore show you kindness, it may be political correctness. You may never be able to tell the difference. The Moral Degradation of this nation is as appalling as gay marriage. Do not forget that anything given to go by an unstable government can be taken away just as quickly.

Okay, I have to say as someone who was born and raised in Cape Charles VA the title of this article did not make me feel very proud of my town. That said no matter who you are you will be treated with respect here. This is how we were raised here in the Eastern Shore, good manners and a polite hello.

Now I do think that everyone has the right to their opinion and should not be called names for having a opinion. I don’t try to push my views as a Christian on to anyone so I should not be forced to conform to your views.

That’s just great! I thought I found my retirement location in Cape Charles. After two years, of searching property in your town, I have made my mind up. I will not be retiring in your town! Just because of LGBT rating for best placing for gay marriage. Here comes Rehoboth Beach!
May you be judged in God’s eyes, I will spend my money somewhere else. The image of men wearing thongs and holding hands on your beach is not the image I want my grandkids to see.

Mr. Bell, true, the folks on the Eastern Shore count among their values correctness, political or otherwise, and empathy. You are likely removed from this community both physically and affectively. Perhaps you can reconnect and reexamine your illogical revulsion and phobias from the compassionate perspectives of We The People of your old Eastern Shore home.

‘Likely Removed??’ ‘Reconnect’??? Old Eastern Shore Home’??? I don’t know what a ‘Lascu’ is but they are not any Shore family I have ever heard of. I am a ‘Seasider’ with mud between my toes. Don’t get it twisted just because a liberal supreme court gave you people a legal path to join together. We The People did not. If folks on The Shore show you kindness, it may be political correctness. You may never be able to tell the difference. The Moral Degradation of this nation is as appalling as gay marriage. Do not forget that anything given to you by an unstable government can be taken away just as quickly.

Mr. Luther, only gay porn would offer the men-in-thongs-on-the-beach images you describe. Thank you for deciding to buy property elsewhere, rather than in our respectful community. Hopefully, the LGBTQ community in Rehoboth receives you well.

Thank you Mr. Bell, for being who you are. I am not a shore person, I was raised in VB. I have traveled to my grandparents house in Delaware by means of the ferries and the bridge tunnel. I take care of my parents in Delaware and tend to the gravesites of my grandparents in Rehoboth Beach.
I am a man of integrity and good morals. I believe that a marriage is between a man and a woman. And like me Callejas I was not pleased with the article. I have worked with people like LGBTQ and they can not accept that I don’t agree with their lifestyle. My 1st amendment rights will not be tread upon.
Dana Lascu, the last thing I want to do is offend you. But if you put your house up for sale I’ll be glad to look at it and maybe make you an offer.

Mr. Zhan, I take issue with being called a Progressive. I am a firm believer in the important role of free market mechanisms and, occasionally, even in the invisible hand. I also believe in the more visible hand, one that is socially constructed, the hand that whacks you after you make racist, misogynist, or homophobic remarks – first amendment rights notwithstanding.

@ Andy…You are incorrect in assuming you cannot argue with a Liberal Progressive. You can, we welcome a good debate. However, most Reactionary Conservatives chose not to argue. Instead, they chose to rant, bait and switch and insult their perceived adversaries. I have read too many commentaries here and elsewhere, where the usual retort amounts to sarcastic and mean spirited discourse aimed directly at a progressive commentator. Rarely are the comments in direct debate with the situation at hand. Let’s look at your comment.
I have already addressed your first sentence…let’s move on. Logic and common sense, two things Reactionary Conservatives have market cornered on. In other words, any argument with a Progressive Liberal is meaningless, because logic means nothing, and they have no common sense. Pretty general. Where is the logic in that? Do you have proof? Common sense would tell you this is non-sense. Not a very good start for a debate, wouldn’t you agree?
Your next statement compares Liberal Progressives with two year olds. Hardly worthy of someone with common sense and again, a poor debating point. And Andy, everyone wants what they want, some just realize, you can’t always get your way. That is known as maturity.
Lastly, you accuse Liberal Progressives of playing the race card, or sex card (personally, have never heard of that card before) and when faced with disagreements, Progressives label Reactionary Conservatives as racist, sexist, homophobic, or whatever comes to mind. I think maybe it comes to mind because it is usually at the root of your rant in the first place. Let’s take the Confederate flag for example…Reactionary Conservatives froth and foam about heritage and honor and bravery and how the flag represents that and not racism. Well, for you, that may be true. For others, not so much. It represents, repression, human bondage, death and suffering of hundreds of thousands of human beings all for the case of maintaining the status quo. Which was…wait for it….wait for it…Rich Plantation owners delegating the laws of the land, over lording both poor whites and indentured blacks in perpetual bondage to the tune of profits and greed. THAT! Is what the flag truly represents. Poor whites fought and died under a flag created by these rich landowners and newly freed blacks were demonized by these very landowners once their cause was lost. I am sure a lot of poor whites were brave and the conditions they endured were beyond imagination, but it is a not cause to celebrate. Racism is not the symptom of the battle of the flag, the human condition is. Which brings me to my final point.
The latest stance against gay marriage that bigoted reactionary conservatives have taken, is the sanctity of marriage. Marriage is between a man and a woman, they eagerly cluck. I think an apt line here is…He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone. How many Neo Cons have had affairs, divorces, illegitimate children, closeted same sex relations within their own marriages? Sanctity has long left the planet if you want to argue that point. But that is not the main issue with gays. They want the same rights as any married couple. To be able to have joint ownership of a home. They want to be able to have a say in the life and death of their partner, to have a stake in the relationship in the same meaningful and compassionate manner a man and woman commonly have. They want the right to adopt children and isn’t that what right to lifers want in our society, all unwanted children to be adopted in stable, loving homes? Where is your logical argument there? Isn’t that common sense? Or is that just another perverted view point you want to take. Because if it is…be very careful, your mind is playing tricks on you. You and others commenting here are creating stereotypes that do not exist, except in your own minds. And that, dear Reactionary Conservative is a very dangerous, slippery slope.
I normally do not respond to these comments, but, you Andy…pushed me over the brink. Folks like to say that The Shore is from a different time a different past. When it comes to the land and sea, I’d like to think that…a gentler, less chaotic pace reigns. But when it comes to hate and bigotry, I’d like to think we are all past that, including my beloved Eastern Shore. Its fifteen years into the twenty century. Show some common sense, if not some good old Christian compassion.

Mr. Chandler, I am very grateful for your analytical response to Mr. Zahn’s parroted talking points. I, sadly, haven’t addressed the infantile retorts and responded similarly with retorts, rather than thoughtful responses. Thank you for taking this dialogue to a more elevated sphere and for educating readers.